Quinton "Rampage" Jackson a UFC fighter who has recently turned to acting has some not so gay friendly words to say about the acting industry.

"Acting is kind of gay," Jackson said. "It makes you soft. You got all these people combing your hair and putting a coat over your shoulders when you're cold. I don't want a coat over my shoulders! I'm a tough-ass [individual]!"

"Vancouver strikes me as a San Francisco-kind of place," he continued. "And I don't want [individuals] getting ideas about me. I feel in my heart I'm the toughest [individual] on the planet. And I don't want nothing changing my train of thought. If you don't believe that when we step inside the octagon, it shows." (LA Times)

Some of the toughest wrestlers, boxers, and athletes out there have been gay. It's a shame that "Rampage" buys into the queer stereotypes.

An "identity sphere" is the concept that gender identity and expression is too fluid to fit in a linear model. The sphere allows for gender formations to flourish without the ranking of one expression as being better than another.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

As Americans, it is our birthright that all people are created equal and deserve the same rights, privileges, and opportunities. Since our earliest days of independence, our Nation has striven to fulfill that promise. An important chapter in our great, unfinished story is the movement for fairness and equality on behalf of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. This month, as we recognize the immeasurable contributions of LGBT Americans, we renew our commitment to the struggle for equal rights for LGBT Americans and to ending prejudice and injustice wherever it exists.

LGBT Americans have enriched and strengthened the fabric of our national life. From business leaders and professors to athletes and first responders, LGBT individuals have achieved success and prominence in every discipline. They are our mothers and fathers, our sons and daughters, and our friends and neighbors. Across my Administration, openly LGBT employees are serving at every level. Thanks to those who came before us -- the brave men and women who marched, stood up to injustice, and brought change through acts of compassion or defiance -- we have made enormous progress and continue to strive for a more perfect union.

My Administration has advanced our journey by signing into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which strengthens Federal protections against crimes based on gender identity or sexual orientation. We renewed the Ryan White CARE Act, which provides life-saving medical services and support to Americans living with HIV/AIDS, and finally eliminated the HIV entry ban. I also signed a Presidential Memorandum directing hospitals receiving Medicare and Medicaid funds to give LGBT patients the compassion and security they deserve in their time of need, including the ability to choose someone other than an immediate family member to visit them and make medical decisions.

In other areas, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a series of proposals to ensure core housing programs are open to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. HUD also announced the first-ever national study of discrimination against members of the LGBT community in the rental and sale of housing. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services has created a National Resource Center for LGBT Elders.

Much work remains to fulfill our Nation's promise of equal justice under law for LGBT Americans. That is why we must give committed gay couples the same rights and responsibilities afforded to any married couple, and repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. We must protect the rights of LGBT families by securing their adoption rights, ending employment discrimination against LGBT Americans, and ensuring Federal employees receive equal benefits. We must create safer schools so all our children may learn in a supportive environment. I am also committed to ending "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" so patriotic LGBT Americans can serve openly in our military, and I am working with the Congress and our military leadership to accomplish that goal.

As we honor the LGBT Americans who have given so much to our Nation, let us remember that if one of us is unable to realize full equality, we all fall short of our founding principles. Our Nation draws its strength from our diversity, with each of us contributing to the greater whole. By affirming these rights and values, each American benefits from the further advancement of liberty and justice for all.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2010 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month by fighting prejudice and discrimination in their own lives and everywhere it exists.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

Friday, May 28, 2010

ExxonMobil continues to stand steadfast against including LGBT people in their non discrimination policy. Mobil had such a policy which was reversed when Exxon Corp merged with them. The shareholders refuse to acknowledge LGBT people and have consistently voted down a proposal for an inclusive non-discrimination policy.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

June 1st marks the fifth annual 'Blogging for LGBT Families Day'. Over the past five years, hundreds of bloggers from around the world have participated, including lesbian moms, gay dads, bisexual parents, transgender parents, adult children of LGBT parents, LGBT individuals without children, and straight allies. Some bloggers told stories about their paths to parenthood, or tales about their children; some wrote about LGBT relatives or friends; others discussed current political events; and several spoke of why their faith obliges them to support LGBT rights.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

MillerCoors a beer company marketing its Miller Lite brand has created two commercials that embraces sexist and transphobic ideas. One commercial features a man asking the bartender for a light beer. She asks him if he cares how it tastes and since he doesn't she tells him that when he starts caring he should "take off his skirt" and get a Miller Lite. The man looks obviously humiliated and the commercial then says "man up" He then goes to his friends saying "check it out, I lost the skirt and got a Miller Lite."

The other ad features a man asking the bartender for a light beer, she asks if he cares how it tastes. He responds that he does not, and she says "when you start caring put down your purse and I'll give you a Miller Lite."

What do these commercials teach us? That women can't handle a "real beer" and that men who drink other light beers are sissies. In order to fit the image of a true masculine heterosexual male, you should lose the "skirt or purse" by purchasing a Miller Lite.

During an appearance on WLS Radio's Don Wade & Roma this morning, Illinois GOP Rep. Peter Roskam of the 6th district knocked efforts to repeal the military's anti-gay 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' policy which bars openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual people from serving in the military. The congressman suggested that the mere conversation about possible repeal of the policy is "manipulating and doesn't honor" the troops.

ROSKAM: We've got to focus on jobs and the economy. What the American public is very reluctant about, and I think deeply resents, is the idea of using our national military for politics -- moving a political agenda and manipulating the military in the process. And it just seems completely incongruous. It doesn't honor the people that are serving in the military, it doesn't hold them in high esteem. Instead, it says we're gong to manipulate you and we're going to use you as a foil in this great debate that we're having across our country. You know what, let's have the great debate, but let's not use these folks as a pawn in this political game.

Tell the congressman that the only thing manipulative and dishonorable is not allowing troops to serve openly.

Monday, May 24, 2010

"Gary Spino and Tony Brown have been on the forefront of gay activism all of their lives, but now they want the most traditional thing anyone can want -- marriage and a baby. Follow their journey as they struggle against the legal and personal obstacles -- can these two men achieve a life as mainstream as their parents?"

Saturday, May 22, 2010

In honor of Harvey Milk's birthday please make sure to get #MILK trending on Twitter. With millions of people accessing this micro-blogging site daily it is critical that people the world over hear the message and know the great hero that is Harvey Milk.

Slain LGBT civil rights hero Harvey Milk would turn 80 today if he were still alive. Now California has recognized Harvey Milk Day as an official day to recognize his impact on the movement towards equality and justice. Even though he is gone, he has left a legacy and inspired a new generation of activists to stand up, be proud, and demand full equality.

What does Harvey Milk mean to you and what are you doing to celebrate and honor him today?

Friday, May 21, 2010

Saturday, May 22 has been officially designated Harvey Milk Day by the state of California, and would have been Harvey Milk’s 80th birthday. In February, Equality Across America put out a call to action for activists across the country to celebrate Harvey Milk's legacy and continue the demand for full federal equality. “I have tasted freedom. I will not give up that which I have tasted. I have a lot more to drink.” – Harvey Milk

Nearly 9 out of 10 LGBT students (86.2%) experience harassment at school because of their sexual orientation, and 60.8% feel unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation, according to GLSEN's 2007 National School Climate Survey.

The harassment clearly affects students' ability to learn. A third of LGBT students (32.7%) missed a day of school in the past month because of feeling unsafe, five times higher than a national sample of all students.

“We’ve heard all we can stand to hear from leaders in Congress, they promised a vote this calendar year and we expect them to honor their word,” said Robin McGhee, co-founder of GetEQUAL. “As the window continues to slowly close on available legislative calendar dates to vote on ENDA in the House and in the Senate, we will continue to hold Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Reid accountable for the direct promise they made to the LGBT community. Our community has done the work to lobby and educate members of Congress on the need for a fully inclusive ENDA and now is the time to stop the talking and start the voting” (Echelon).

In the short segment O'Reilly voiced his outrage over the fact that American Eagle caved and now allows "men to dress like women" and "women to dress like men" and to add insult to injury says that "men can now dress like Dolly Parton and be protected." Ms. Wiehl the voice of reason spoke about how gender identity is a protected class in New York state and that the clothing retailer made the right choice.

O'Reilly decided to go even further and raise the ridiculous question over whether "people should be allowed to dress like ewoks?". Wiehl attempted to respond to the insane assertion explaining how gender identity is different, but was cut off by the bullying and overpowering Mr. O'Reilly.

"Uncle Roy" is a proposed term to label anti-gay hypocrites who are themselves closeted homosexuals. The term is named after Roy Cohn a lawyer who targeted gays during the 'communist scare' of the 1950's. He opposed gay rights till he died of AIDS in 1986.

May 18th marks HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, an annual recognition of the thousands of volunteers, community leaders, health professionals, and scientists working to create a preventative vaccine against HIV. The day is designed so people learn more about the progress being made towards a vaccine and encourage people to join clinical vaccination trials.

In looking out for the best interest of the LGBT community the following candidates are endorsed based solely on their commitment to LGBT equality as compared to their opponents. Please get out to the polls today and vote for these candidates.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Activists from GetEQUAL will be protesting in front of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office in San Francisco tomorrow afternoon. They are demanding that the Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA) be moved for a vote in congress immediately. The Democratic party has continually promised to hold a vote on this legislation but keeps postponing it.

Tuesday, May 18 from 430-630pm 7th & Mission St.

If you can't make it to San Francisco, please, contact Speaker Pelosi's office in both SF - 415.556.4862, and, DC - (202) 225-0100.

Every May 17th is the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) to show that shame should not lie in one's sexuality or gender identity but in the hatred and stereotypes that are assigned to these identities. The chosen day for this worldwide series of events is based on the fact that on this day in 1990 the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its listing of diseases.

Facts:

Homosexuality is still against the law in 80 countries, and penalties range from harassment and violence to imprisonment or the death penalty.

In countries where homosexuality is legal, few protections exist and homophobic and transphobic attacks and murders are on the rise.

Lesbian and bisexual women are often subject to taunting and rape to "teach them a lesson" and force heterosexuality upon them.

Many gay and bisexual men are forced into horrific acts of shame and to undergo testosterone treatment in an attempt to masculinize and "de-gay" them.

It is estimated that one transgender person is killed every three days around the world. Many of these victims remain unknown and unidentified.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

My friend over at Womanist Musings suggested I do a weekly post on interesting articles I have come across. It's a great opportunity to spark discussion and also credit some great bloggers and journalists for their work. Feel free to comment on any of the above articles that may have sparked some thoughts.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

California legislators have recently passed the bill AB 2199 which stops the Department of Mental Health from seeking a "cure" for homosexuality. All the scientific research indicates that homosexuality is not a choice, and not something that can be or need be fixed.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Congressman Steve King (R) of Iowa has defended his position against the Employment Non Discrimination Act by saying that "If you don’t project it, if you don’t advertise it, how would anyone know to discriminate against you?" The entire segment about this can be seen in the video below. Essentially Representative King is saying that gays who "flaunt" it are bringing discrimination upon themselves, and that it's their fault. This philosophy breeds a closeted environment, and one in which only cisgender and "straight acting" individuals are safe at their workplace.

Congressman King has been no stranger to controversial remarks about the LGBT community and others. It was only a year ago that he warned that gay marriage will lead to socialism.

Regardless of how people feel about outing, and the importance of coming out, we can all agree that insulting someone based on their gender expression is unacceptable. This is as Bilerico puts it is an "open invitation to homophobia and transphobia" and that is exactly what the comments on the TMZ site by viewers express.

Today hundreds of LGBT veterans and allies will descend on Capitol Hill to demand a repeal of the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy which bars openly gay servicemembers. A full schedule of events can be seen at Veterans Lobby Day.

There is also a "virtual lobby day" action and no matter where you are you can engage in two minute activism to show your support for repeal. LGBT POV is encouraging us to call our members of congress and demand repeal now.

Call the Congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121, tell them where you live, and ask them to connect you to your representative’s office.

Tell the staffer who picks up: Hi, this is [YOUR NAME] from [YOUR CITY] and I’m calling to support the Veteran’s Lobby Day that’s happening today. I urge Congress to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” this year.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Family Guy an animated television series on Fox aired an extremely transphobic episode on Mother's Day. The episode called "Quagmire's Dad" was about a big life change for his father, a recognized Navy war hero veteran. The episode is filled with homophobic and transphobic language and judgment.

It starts off with the father coming to town and Quagmire's friends commenting on how "gay" the father seemed, because he exhibited gay stereotypes including an (effeminate voice, desire to entertain, drinks Cosmo's, etc). When Quagmire confronts his dad he admits he admits he is not gay but really a woman trapped inside a man's body.

Quagmire asks for support from the Griffin's, the wife Lois offers that her husband Peter will go to the hospital for the sex change operation. Lois and Peter remark that the whole thing seems "pretty gay" but that it is "obviously weird" and Lois finishes off by telling the two men that they should "enjoy the circus" referring to the hospital visitation.

In the waiting room there is the talk of "he/she" and the "penis being chopped off" an obvious disregard of using correct pronouns and propagation of the myth that transwomen remove their penis.

When Quagmire's father transitions she takes on the name Ida and is invited over to the Griffin's for dinner. She brings a pie but Lois immediately tells her daughter to throw it away. This plays on the irrational fears of interacting with trans people. Over dinner Peter asks the inappropriate question "do you miss your penis?" and asks about the legitimacy of her "knockers".

When Ida meets the Griffin's dog, they develop a relationship. The dog (Brian) is thrilled at meeting a new and wonderful woman but gets disgusted and vomits when he finds out she is transgender.

Real issues came up during the episode which explored issues such as orientation & gender identity, coming out, surgery, and family and societal acceptance of transition. Unfortunately the show misrepresented facts about the transgender experience and instead exploited trans people for a few laughs.

Fox accepts feedback on their shows, please tell them transphobic material does not belong on the air and that they should pull the show.askfox@fox.com